Integrated live and simulation environment system for an aircraft

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for training in an aircraft. A display system is associated with an aircraft. A sensor system is associated with the aircraft. A training processor is configured to be connected to the aircraft. The training processor is configured generate constructive data for a number of simulation objects and generate simulation sensor data using the constructive data. The training processor is further configured to present the simulation sensor data with live sensor data generated by the sensor system for an aircraft on a display system in the aircraft.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of patent application U.S.Ser. No. 12/628,831, filed Dec. 1, 2009, entitled “Integrated Live andSimulation Environment System for an Aircraft”, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1. Field

The present disclosure relates generally to aircraft and, in particular,to a method and apparatus for performing training exercises in anaircraft. Still more particularly, the present disclosure relates to amethod and apparatus for performing training exercises in an aircraft inwhich a live environment and a simulation environment are present.

2. Background

Training exercises are often performed for military aircraft. Thesetraining exercises are used to teach pilots how to operate the aircraft.Additionally, the exercises are also used to train the pilots ondifferent strategies and tactics with respect to operating the aircraft.For example, pilots may train in an aircraft to improve skills andreactions to adversarial events. These events may include, for example,without limitation, encountering enemy aircraft, reacting to a presenceof surface-to-air missile sites, engaging time sensitive targets, andother suitable events.

A large amount of training may be performed using training devices onthe ground. These training devices often take the form of flightsimulators. A flight simulator is a system that copies or simulates theexperience of flying an aircraft. A flight simulator is meant to makethe experience as real as possible. Flight simulators may range fromcontrols and a display in a room to a full-size replica of a cockpitmounted on actuators that are configured to move the cockpit in responseto actions taken by a pilot. These types of simulators provide acapability to teach pilots and/or other crew members to operate variousaircraft systems and to react to different events.

Additional training is performed through training exercises using liveaircraft. These types of training exercises expose pilots to the actualconditions encountered when flying an aircraft. Various conditionscannot be accurately simulated using a flight simulator. For example,the actual movement or forces encountered in flying an aircraft may notbe adequately provided through a flight simulator.

With military aircraft, this type of training is typically performed onvarious areas or ranges. This type of training may involve usingmultiple live aircraft to perform training on encountering enemyaircraft. Further, various ground platforms also may be used. Theseground platforms may include, for example, without limitation, tanks,surface-to-air missile systems, and other suitable ground units. Thesetypes of training exercises provide a pilot with the additionalexperience needed to operate an aircraft in different conditions.

Live training exercises are difficult and/or expensive to set up andoperate. For example, to perform a training exercise in the air,airspace is restricted to other aircraft to avoid unintended incursionsinto the airspace in which the training occurs. Additionally, fuel,maintenance, and other expenses are required to prepare the aircraft forthe exercises, operate the aircraft during the exercises, and performmaintenance after the exercises have concluded.

Further, the amount of airspace may be confining and may restrict thetype and amount of movement that aircraft can make during a trainingexercise. Times and locations where airspace can be restricted may limitthe amount of time when training exercises can be performed.

Therefore, it would be desirable to have a method and apparatus thattakes into account one or more of the issues discussed above as well aspossibly other issues.

SUMMARY

In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises an aircraft, adisplay system associated with the aircraft, a sensor system associatedwith the aircraft, and a training processor. The training processor isconfigured to be connected to the aircraft. The training processor isfurther configured to generate constructive data for a number ofsimulation objects and generate simulation sensor data using theconstructive data. The training processor is further configured topresent the simulation sensor data with live sensor data generated bythe sensor system on the display system.

In another illustrative embodiment, a training system comprises atraining processor configured to be connected to an aircraft. Thetraining processor is configured to generate constructive data for anumber of simulation objects and generate simulation sensor data usingthe constructive data. The training processor is further configured topresent the simulation sensor data with live sensor data generated by asensor system for the aircraft on a display system in the aircraft.

In still another illustrative embodiment, a method for training in anaircraft is present. A training processor generates constructive data.The training processor generates simulation sensor data using theconstructive data. The simulation sensor data is presented with livesensor data generated by a sensor system for the aircraft on a displaysystem in the aircraft.

The features and functions can be achieved independently in variousembodiments of the present disclosure or may be combined in yet otherembodiments in which further details can be seen with reference to thefollowing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features believed characteristic of the illustrativeembodiments are set forth in the appended claims. The illustrativeembodiments, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, furtherobjectives, and descriptions thereof will best be understood byreference to the following detailed description of an illustrativeembodiment of the present disclosure when read in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a block diagram of a training environmentin accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a data processing system in accordance withan illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a training environment in accordance withan illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of training software in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 5 is an illustration of data flow in a training environment inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an illustration of data flow in a training environment inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a training system in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is an illustration of a training processor in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 9 is an illustration of an aircraft in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a training processor in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 11 is an illustration of a training processor in a pod inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 12 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for performing atraining session in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 13 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for training inan aircraft in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for generatingsimulation sensor data received in an aircraft in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 15 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for generatinginformation about objects detected by sensors in accordance with anillustrative embodiment;

FIG. 16 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for presentingobject information in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for sending dataduring a training session in accordance with an illustrative embodiment;

FIG. 18 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for training inan aircraft in accordance with an illustrative embodiment; and

FIG. 19 is an illustration of a flowchart of a process for training inan aircraft with a training processor in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The different illustrative embodiments recognize and take into account anumber of considerations. For example, the different illustrativeembodiments recognize and take into account that one manner in whichtraining may be performed to reduce the expense and cost involvesattaching pods or associating systems with the aircraft that simulatelive platforms. These pods may include the hardware and software tosimulate the platforms that the pilot may target or interact with.

This type of training simulates weapons that allow aircraft to targetlive platforms with onboard sensors. These pods also allow weapons to beshot through simulations embedded in the pods. The differentillustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that thiscurrent type of simulation uses actual hardware or hardware emulations.A hardware emulation is hardware that takes a different form or typefrom the hardware actually used. A hardware emulation is configured toprovide the same response or output as the actual hardware that is beingemulated.

Although these types of systems may be useful, the differentillustrative embodiments recognize and take into account that thehardware used for this type of simulation may have an undesired level ofexpense and maintenance.

Thus, the different illustrative embodiments provide a method andapparatus for integrating both live and simulation environments on anaircraft. The different illustrative embodiments provide a pilot andother crew members the capability to train in an actual trainingenvironment. This training environment includes both live and simulationobjects. Data for the simulation objects is transmitted from othervehicles in the air or on the ground. In one illustrative embodiment, anapparatus comprises an aircraft, a network interface, a display system,a sensor system, and a computer system.

The network interface is configured to exchange data with a number ofremote locations using a wireless communications link. The computersystem is configured to run a number of processes to receive simulationdata received through the network interface over the wirelesscommunications link. The computer system is also configured to run anumber of processes to receive live data from the sensor system. Thecomputer system is configured to run a number of processes to presentthe simulation data with the live data on the display system in theaircraft.

In the different illustrative examples, the simulation data receivedfrom the network interface is processed to generate simulation sensordata. This simulation sensor data has the same format as sensor datagenerated by the sensor system associated with the aircraft. Thesimulation sensor data is processed by a number of processes running onthe computer system to generate the sensor data. In these examples, theprocesses may take the form of a number of models for the differentsensors in the sensor system. Some or all of the sensors may be modeledin these examples.

The sensor data generated by the models may be referred to as simulationsensor data. The sensor data generated by the sensor system may bereferred to as live sensor data. The live sensor data and the simulationsensor data are presented together during the training session.

With reference now to FIG. 1, an illustration of a block diagram of atraining environment is depicted in accordance with an illustrativeembodiment. In this illustrative example, training environment 100includes vehicle 102. Vehicle 102 takes the form of aircraft 104 inthese depicted examples. Training session 106 may be performed usingaircraft 104, in which simulation environment 108 and live environment110 are both present in training environment 100.

In this illustrative example, network interface 112, display system 114,sensor system 116, and computer system 118 are associated with aircraft104. A first component may be considered to be associated with a secondcomponent by being secured to the second component, bonded to the secondcomponent, fastened to the second component, and/or connected to thesecond component in some other suitable manner. The first component alsomay be connected to the second component by using a third component. Thefirst component also may be considered to be associated with the secondcomponent by being formed as part of and/or an extension of the secondcomponent.

Computer system 118 comprises number of computers 119 in thisillustrative example. Number of computers 119 may be in communicationwith each other using wired or wireless communications links in theseillustrative examples. Training software 120 runs on number of computers119 in these illustrative examples. Sensor system 116 generates livesensor data 121. Simulation data 122 is received by network interface112 over wireless communications link 124.

In these illustrative examples, simulation data 122 may be for number ofsimulation objects 125. In these illustrative examples, a simulationobject is an object created by a computer program or an objectrepresented by a training device. In other words, a simulation object isnot a physical object in these examples.

In these illustrative examples, live sensor data 121 is data generatedby sensor system 116 associated with aircraft 104 detecting number oflive objects 126 in training environment 100. A live object, as used inthese illustrative examples, is a physical or real object. In otherwords, a live object can be seen, touched, and/or handled. For example,when the live object is an aircraft, the live object is the actualaircraft and not a computer representation of the aircraft or a trainingdevice for the aircraft. As used herein, a number of, where referring toitems, means one or more items. For example, number of live objects 126is one or more live objects. In these illustrative examples, number oflive objects 126 is detected by number of sensors 128 within sensorsystem 116.

In these illustrative examples, computer system 118 is configured to runtraining software 120 during training session 106 using aircraft 104 inthese examples. Computer system 118 is configured to run trainingsoftware 120 in a manner that presents live sensor data 121 andsimulation data 122 together on display system 114. In theseillustrative examples, training software 120 generates simulation sensordata 123 using simulation data 122 in presenting simulation sensor data123. As a result, simulation sensor data 123 and live sensor data 121may be processed to generate information about objects that are live andsimulated. In other words, live sensor data 121 may be used to generateinformation about live objects. Simulation sensor data 123 may be usedto generate information about objects that are only simulated and notphysically present.

In these illustrative examples, simulation data 122 is data generated bya program running on a computer system or by a training device. Forexample, training environment 100 also may include at least one ofnumber of simulation programs 130, number of training devices 132, andother suitable systems configured to generate simulation data 122.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list ofitems, means that different combinations of one or more of the listeditems may be used and only one of each item in the list may be needed.For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may include,for example, without limitation, item A or item A and item B. Thisexample also may include item A, item B, and item C, or item B and itemC.

In these examples, number of simulation programs 130 generatessimulation data 122 in the form of constructive data 134. Constructivedata 134 is data generated by a software program to simulate an object.The object may be, for example, without limitation, an aircraft, aground vehicle, a missile site, a missile, or some other suitableobject.

Number of training devices 132 generates virtual data 136 in simulationdata 122. Virtual data 136 is any data generated through the use ofnumber of training devices 132. Number of training devices 132 is anydevice that may be operated by a human operator. In these illustrativeexamples, number of training devices 132 may take the form of number offlight simulators 138. In this example, number of flight simulators 138may be used to generate number of simulation objects 125. Number ofsimulation objects 125 may be fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, orother suitable types of aircraft in these examples.

In these illustrative examples, computer system 140 comprises number ofcomputers 142. Number of simulation programs 130 may run on one or moreof number of computers 142. In these illustrative examples, number oftraining devices 132 is in communication with computer system 140.Number of training devices 132 sends virtual data 136 to computer system140. Computer system 140 takes constructive data 134 and virtual data136 and sends this data as simulation data 122 to computer system 118 inaircraft 104. Simulation data 122 may include information aboutsimulation objects. For example, simulation data 122 may includeinformation identifying a location of a simulation object, a heading ofa simulation object, an identification of a simulation object, and othersuitable information.

In these illustrative examples, computer system 118 also may generateownship data 144. Ownship data 144 is data describing aircraft 104.Ownship data 144 is sent to computer system 140 over wirelesscommunications link 124 through network interface 112. Ownship data 144may include, for example, at least one of a position of aircraft 104, aspeed of aircraft 104, and other suitable data. Ownship data 144 alsomay include, for example, data indicating that number of weapons 150have been fired on aircraft 104. The firing of number of weapons 150 issimulated and not actual firings of number of weapons 150. Simulationdata 148 includes information about the firing of number of weapons 150.

Computer system 140 receives ownship data 144. Ownship data 144 is usedby number of simulation programs 130 and number of training devices 132to perform training session 106. In these illustrative examples, ownshipdata 144 is used to represent aircraft 104 as an object in a simulation.Ownship data 144 allows other aircraft, vehicles, and/or objects tointeract with aircraft 104 in the simulation. For example, ownship data144 may be used by number of simulation programs 130 and number oftraining devices 132 to identify a location of aircraft 104. Thisinformation may be used to determine how number of simulation objects125 in the simulation interacts with aircraft 104. In other words,ownship data 144 may be used to generate a simulation object foraircraft 104 that can be used within number of simulation programs 130and/or by number of training devices 132.

In these illustrative examples, training session 106 may be performedwhile aircraft 104 is in flight 152 and/or on ground 154. In someillustrative embodiments, all of training session 106 for a particularexercise may be performed on ground 154. In some illustrativeembodiments, some events may occur while aircraft 104 is on ground 154prior to taking off in flight 152.

The illustration of training environment 100 in FIG. 1 is not meant toimply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in whichdifferent illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Other componentsin addition to and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Somecomponents may be unnecessary in some illustrative embodiments. Also,the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. Oneor more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into differentblocks when implemented in different illustrative embodiments.

For example, in some illustrative embodiments, additional aircraft, inaddition to aircraft 104, may be present in training environment 100 forperforming training session 106. In yet other illustrative embodiments,number of training devices 132 may be unnecessary with only number ofsimulation programs 130 being used.

In these illustrative examples, simulation sensor data 123 may begenerated in a location other than computer system 118 in aircraft 104.For example, a portion of training software 120 may run on a computer onthe ground and generate the simulation sensor data. Simulation sensordata 123 may be transmitted over wireless communications link 124 tonetwork interface 112 in place of or in addition to simulation data 122.

Turning now to FIG. 2, an illustration of a data processing system isdepicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Data processingsystem 200 is an example of a data processing system that may be used toimplement computers, such as number of computers 119 in computer system118 and number of computers 142 in computer system 140 in FIG. 1. Inthis illustrative example, data processing system 200 includescommunications fabric 202, which provides communications betweenprocessor unit 204, memory 206, persistent storage 208, communicationsunit 210, input/output (I/O) unit 212, and display 214.

Processor unit 204 serves to execute instructions for software that maybe loaded into memory 206. Processor unit 204 may be a set of one ormore processors or may be a multi-processor core, depending on theparticular implementation. Further, processor unit 204 may beimplemented using one or more heterogeneous processor systems, in whicha main processor is present with secondary processors on a single chip.As another illustrative example, processor unit 204 may be a symmetricmulti-processor system containing multiple processors of the same type.

Memory 206 and persistent storage 208 are examples of storage devices216. A storage device is any piece of hardware that is capable ofstoring information, such as, for example, without limitation, data,program code in functional form, and/or other suitable informationeither on a temporary basis and/or a permanent basis. Memory 206, inthese examples, may be, for example, a random access memory or any othersuitable volatile or non-volatile storage device.

Persistent storage 208 may take various forms, depending on theparticular implementation. For example, persistent storage 208 maycontain one or more components or devices. For example, persistentstorage 208 may be a hard drive, a flash memory, a rewritable opticaldisk, a rewritable magnetic tape, or some combination of the above. Themedia used by persistent storage 208 may be removable. For example, aremovable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 208.

Communications unit 210, in these examples, provides for communicationwith other data processing systems or devices. In these examples,communications unit 210 is a network interface card. Communications unit210 may provide communications through the use of either or bothphysical and wireless communications links.

Input/output unit 212 allows for the input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to data processing system 200. Forexample, input/output unit 212 may provide a connection for user inputthrough a keyboard, a mouse, and/or some other suitable input device.Further, input/output unit 212 may send output to a printer. Display 214provides a mechanism to display information to a user.

Instructions for the operating system, applications, and/or programs maybe located in storage devices 216, which are in communication withprocessor unit 204 through communications fabric 202. In theseillustrative examples, the instructions are in a functional form onpersistent storage 208. These instructions may be loaded into memory 206for execution by processor unit 204. The processes of the differentembodiments may be performed by processor unit 204 using computerimplemented instructions, which may be located in a memory, such asmemory 206.

These instructions are referred to as program code, computer usableprogram code, or computer readable program code that may be read andexecuted by a processor in processor unit 204. The program code, in thedifferent embodiments, may be embodied on different physical or computerreadable storage media, such as memory 206 or persistent storage 208.

Program code 218 is located in a functional form on computer readablemedia 220 that is selectively removable and may be loaded onto ortransferred to data processing system 200 for execution by processorunit 204. Program code 218 and computer readable media 220 form computerprogram product 222. In one example, computer readable media 220 may becomputer readable storage media 224 or computer readable signal media226.

Computer readable storage media 224 may include, for example, an opticalor magnetic disk that is inserted or placed into a drive or other devicethat is part of persistent storage 208 for transfer onto a storagedevice, such as a hard drive, that is part of persistent storage 208.Computer readable storage media 224 also may take the form of apersistent storage, such as a hard drive, a thumb drive, or a flashmemory that is connected to data processing system 200. In someinstances, computer readable storage media 224 may not be removable fromdata processing system 200.

Alternatively, program code 218 may be transferred to data processingsystem 200 using computer readable signal media 226. Computer readablesignal media 226 may be, for example, a propagated data signalcontaining program code 218. For example, computer readable signal media226 may be an electromagnetic signal, an optical signal, and/or anyother suitable type of signal. These signals may be transmitted overcommunications links, such as wireless communications links, an opticalfiber cable, a coaxial cable, a wire, and/or any other suitable type ofcommunications link. In other words, the communications link and/or theconnection may be physical or wireless in the illustrative examples.

In some illustrative embodiments, program code 218 may be downloadedover a network to persistent storage 208 from another device or dataprocessing system through computer readable signal media 226 for usewithin data processing system 200. For instance, program code stored incomputer readable storage media in a server data processing system maybe downloaded over a network from the server to data processing system200. The data processing system providing program code 218 may be aserver computer, a client computer, or some other device capable ofstoring and transmitting program code 218.

The different components illustrated for data processing system 200 arenot meant to provide architectural limitations to the manner in whichdifferent embodiments may be implemented. The different illustrativeembodiments may be implemented in a data processing system includingcomponents in addition to or in place of those illustrated for dataprocessing system 200.

Other components shown in FIG. 2 can be varied from the illustrativeexamples shown. The different embodiments may be implemented using anyhardware device or system capable of executing program code. As oneexample, data processing system 200 may include organic componentsintegrated with inorganic components and/or may be comprised entirely oforganic components excluding a human being. For example, a storagedevice may be comprised of an organic semiconductor.

As one example, in some illustrative embodiments, display 214 may not beneeded. In this type of implementation, data processing system 200 maybe implemented as a server computer or line replaceable unit. A displaymay be unnecessary in this type of implementation. As another example, astorage device in data processing system 200 is any hardware apparatusthat may store data. Memory 206, persistent storage 208, and computerreadable media 220 are examples of storage devices in a tangible form.

In another example, a bus system may be used to implement communicationsfabric 202 and may be comprised of one or more buses, such as a systembus or an input/output bus. Of course, the bus system may be implementedusing any suitable type of architecture that provides for a transfer ofdata between different components or devices attached to the bus system.Additionally, a communications unit may include one or more devices usedto transmit and receive data, such as a modem or a network adapter.Further, a memory may be, for example, memory 206 or a cache such asfound in an interface and memory controller hub that may be present incommunications fabric 202.

With reference now to FIG. 3, an illustration of a training environmentis depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In thisillustrative example, training environment 300 is an example of oneimplementation for training environment 100 in FIG. 1.

As depicted, training environment 300 includes network 302, network 304,aircraft 306, and network server computer 308. Network 302 includesgateway 310, constructive server computer 312, weapons server computer314, viewer server computer 318, flight simulator 320, and globalpositioning system receiver 322. In these illustrative examples, networkserver computer 308 exchanges information with aircraft 306. Thisexchange of information is performed using wireless communications link324.

Gateway 310 provides a connection between network server computer 308and other components in network 302. In other words, all informationexchanged between network 302 and network server computer 308 flowsthrough gateway 310.

Constructive server computer 312 runs simulations of different objects.These different objects are simulation objects in these examples. Forexample, constructive server computer 312 may run simulations of otheraircraft for the training involving aircraft 306. As another example,constructive server computer 312 may run simulations to generatesimulation objects, such as ground vehicles, ground stations, and othersuitable objects.

Weapons server computer 314 runs processes to simulate the firing ofweapons by aircraft 306. The firing of weapons by aircraft 306, in theseexamples, is simulation objects for the actual weapons. Weapons servercomputer 314 processes any indications of weapons fired by aircraft 306to determine the direction and location of impact for the weapons.

Weapons server computer 314 simulates the weapon in flight and weapondetonation. Weapons server computer 314 publishes information aboutweapon type, position, velocity, acceleration, and state on network 302.Additionally, weapons server computer 314 also may determine whether aparticular object has been damaged or destroyed.

Viewer server computer 318 provides a capability to view the trainingthat occurs. For example, viewer server computer 318 may display a mapidentifying the location of different objects including live andsimulation objects. Further, viewer server computer 318 also may displayresults from weapons fire or other events. Viewer server computer 318may be used during the training session to view events as they occur.Additionally, viewer server computer 318 may be used to provide adebriefing and analysis of the training session after the trainingsession has completed.

In these illustrative examples, global positioning system receiver 322is used within training environment 300 to create a common time source.Global positioning system receiver 322 may generate information abouttime. This common time source may be used by other computers andprocesses to synchronize the performance of different operations. Globalpositioning system receiver 322 is used to generate a common timestampthat is the same for the different components in training environment300.

Flight simulator 320 is a flight simulator that may be used to generatevirtual data. The simulations performed using constructive servercomputer 312 and flight simulator 320 is sent through gateway 310 tonetwork server computer 308. The virtual data and the constructive dataform simulation data for use by aircraft 306.

Network server computer 308 sends the virtual data and the constructivedata to aircraft 306. Further, any data generated by aircraft 306 isreturned through network server computer 308 over wirelesscommunications link 324. This information is then sent to network 302for use by constructive server computer 312, weapons server computer314, and flight simulator 320.

In these illustrative examples, voice communications, such as thosegenerated by operators of flight simulator 320 or generated byconstructive server computer 312, are sent to network 304. In turn,network 304 sends these communications over radio frequencycommunications link 326 to aircraft 306 using radio frequency (RF)transmitter 328.

The illustration of training environment 300 in FIG. 3 is not meant toimply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in whichdifferent illustrative embodiments may be implemented. This particularillustration is an example of one implementation of the manner in whichtraining environment 100 in FIG. 1 may be implemented. In otherillustrative embodiments, different components may be used in additionto or in place of the ones illustrated in these examples.

For example, the functions provided by the different server computersmay be integrated into fewer numbers of computers or additionalcomputers. In one example, the functions and processes for all of thedifferent server computers illustrated in training environment 300 maybe implemented on a single computer.

Further, flight simulator 320 may be a separate device from thecomputers running the servers in these examples. Flight simulator 320may include a full-size replica of the cockpit for an operator.

With reference now to FIG. 4, an illustration of training software isdepicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In thisillustrative example, training software 400 is an example of oneimplementation for training software 120 in FIG. 1. As illustrated,training software 400 runs on computer 402 during a training session. Inthe illustrative examples, training software 400 may be loaded ontocomputer 402 to run training exercises. Computer 402 may be implementedusing data processing system 200 in FIG. 2 and is an example of oneimplementation for computer system 118 in FIG. 1.

Training software 400 comprises number of processes 404. Number ofprocesses 404 may include number of sensor models 406. As illustrated,number of processes 404 includes data process 412, infrared targetingprocess 414, and data collection process 416. In these illustrativeexamples, number of processes 404 may process live sensor data 408 andsimulation data 410. Number of processes 404 receives simulation data410 from network interface 420.

Live sensor data 408 is received from sensor system 422. Sensor system422, in these illustrative examples, may include at least one of radarsystem 426, radar warning receiver 427, infrared targeting pod 428,global positioning system unit 430, and other suitable components.

In these illustrative examples, number of processes 404 also may receiveownship data 462 from controls 432 and navigation system 433. Asdepicted, controls 432 may comprise at least one of flight stick 434,switches 435, and other suitable controls that may be located within theaircraft. Navigation system 433 may include at least one of globalpositioning system unit 436, inertial navigation system 437, and othersuitable types of systems.

In these depicted examples, number of processes 404 combine live sensordata 408 and simulation data 410 for presentation on display system 438.Display system 438 may include, for example, number of video displaydevices 439 and number of audio devices 440. Display system 438 is thedisplay system used in the aircraft and does not require modificationsin the different illustrative embodiments.

Number of sensor models 406 provides models of the physical sensorslocated in sensor system 422. In these different illustrativeembodiments, number of sensor models 406 processes simulation data 410to generate simulation sensor data 447.

Number of sensor models 406 includes radar model 442 and radar warningreceiver model 444. A model, in these illustrative examples, is aprocess that is designed to simulate a live or physical object. Forexample, radar model 442 is designed to simulate the operation of radarsystem 426. Radar warning receiver model 444 is a process designed tosimulate the operation of radar warning receiver 427. Radar model 442and radar warning receiver model 444 generate output that is the same orsubstantially the same as the output generated by radar system 426 andradar warning receiver 427, respectively.

In this illustrative example, infrared targeting process 414 in numberof processes 404 receives live sensor data 408 from infrared targetingpod 428. Additionally, infrared targeting process 414 may receiveinformation about objects in simulation data 410. In this illustrativeexample, infrared targeting process 414 adds data to live sensor data408 based on information in simulation data 410. In this example, thedata generated by infrared targeting process 414 also is part ofsimulation sensor data 447 in these examples. For example, infraredtargeting process 414 may add symbols to live sensor data 408 frominfrared targeting pod 428 to simulate various objects, such asaircraft, missiles, ground radar, and other objects.

Data process 412 in number of processes 404 receives simulation sensordata 447 and live sensor data 408. In these illustrative examples, dataprocess 412 generates live object data 446 and simulation object data448. Live object data 446 is information about real or physical objectsdetected by sensor system 422. Simulation object data 448 also may begenerated by infrared targeting process 414 processing live sensor data408 to create simulation object data 448.

Simulation object data 448 is information generated about simulationobjects received in simulation sensor data 447. This information mayinclude, for example, without limitation, an identification of anobject, a graphical identifier to use with the object, and othersuitable information.

Also, in these different illustrative examples, simulation object data448 may include identifiers or flags to indicate that the particularobject is a simulation object and not a live or physical object. Thisinformation may be used to generate graphical indicators such that anoperator can determine which objects are live or simulated. In theseexamples, the graphical indicators may be presented on number of videodisplay devices 439 in display system 438. Live object data 446 andsimulation object data 448 form object database 450.

In these illustrative examples, data process 412 generates live objectdata 446 from live sensor data 408 received from sensor system 422. Forexample, objects detected by radar system 426 are identified andprocessed by data process 412. Each identified object forms an objectwithin live object data 446.

In these illustrative examples, simulation data 410 may includeidentification 456, position 458, and heading 460 for a simulationobject. Radar model 442 may use this information as input to generatesimulation sensor data 447. In a similar fashion, simulation data 410may be processed by data process 412 using radar warning receiver model444 to generate simulation sensor data 447 for the simulation object asbeing a friend or foe.

In these illustrative examples, data process 412 uses live object data446 and simulation object data 448 in object database 450 as a singlepresentation on display system 438. In other words, both live objectsand simulation objects are presented and interacted with by an operatorof the aircraft such that both live sensor data 408 and simulation data410 are presented together in an integrated presentation.

In these illustrative examples, live object data 446 and simulationobject data 448 may be presented on display system 438. This informationmay be presented on number of video display devices 439 to provide anoperator an indication of where different objects may be locatedrelative to the aircraft. Further, number of audio devices 440 also maybe used to present live object data 446 and simulation object data 448from object database 450. In some cases, audio warnings or messages maybe presented based on information in object database 450.

Data collection process 416 may receive ownship data 462 from controls432 and from navigation system 433. For example, data collection process416 may receive an indication of a firing of a weapon in response to anactivation of a control in controls 432. Additionally, data collectionprocess 416 receives position information from global positioning systemunit 436 and inertial navigation system 437.

This information is sent back as ownship data 462 to a remote locationthrough network interface 420. Ownship data 462 is used by simulationprograms and training devices, such as number of simulation programs 130and number of training devices 132 in FIG. 1. Ownship data 462 may beused to represent the aircraft as an object within the simulations runby number of simulation programs 130 and number of training devices 132in FIG. 1.

The illustration of training software 400 in FIG. 4 is not meant toimply physical or architectural limitations to the manner in whichdifferent illustrative embodiments may be implemented. Other componentsin addition to and/or in place of the ones illustrated may be used. Somecomponents may be unnecessary in some illustrative embodiments. Also,the blocks are presented to illustrate some functional components. Oneor more of these blocks may be combined and/or divided into differentblocks when implemented in different illustrative embodiments.

For example, in some illustrative embodiments, some processes in numberof processes 404 and number of sensor models 406 may run on a differentcomputer, other than computer 402 in the aircraft. In yet otherillustrative embodiments, number of sensor models 406 may be unnecessaryif simulation data 410 includes simulation object data 448 for use bynumber of processes 404. Simulation object data 448 may be sent as partof simulation data 410 if sufficient bandwidth is present for use bynetwork interface 420. In other words, the different models for thesensor system in the aircraft may be run in a remote location with thatsensor data being sent to computer 402 for processing and presentation.

Object database 450 may be transmitted to a remote location usingnetwork interface 420 during the training. In some illustrativeembodiments, object database 450 may be downloaded after the flight iscompleted. Object database 450 may be reviewed to evaluate the trainingthat was performed.

As another example, although the illustrative example shows radar model442 and radar warning receiver model 444, other models also may be usedin addition to or in place of the ones depicted. For example, thesemodels may include an Interrogator Friend or Foe model, a chaff andflair dispenser model, an electronic warfare jamming model, and/or othersuitable models.

With reference now to FIG. 5, an illustration of data flow in a trainingenvironment is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.In this illustrative example, training environment 500 is an example ofone implementation of training environment 100 in FIG. 1. Further,training environment 500 may be implemented using training software 400in FIG. 4. The data flow illustrated in this example is for processingsimulation data and live data for aerial objects that may be encounteredby an aircraft.

As depicted, training environment 500 includes aircraft 501 and groundterminal 502. Ground terminal 502 has computer system 503 for sendingsimulation data 504 to aircraft 501. Simulation data 504 is sent using awireless communications link in this illustrative example. Simulationdata 504 is received by aircraft 501 using data link terminal 506. Datalink terminal 506 may take the form of an avionics device configured togenerate and receive different types of data in these examples.

Data at data link terminal 506 is sent to data link report manager 507running on computer system 505 in aircraft 501. Data link report manager507 identifies simulation data 504 received from data link terminal 506and sends simulation data 504 to data processes 508 for processing. Inthese illustrative examples, data link terminal 506 and data link reportmanager 507 form a network interface, such as network interface 420 inFIG. 4, between computer system 503 and computer system 505.

Simulation data 504 is sent from data link report manager 507 to datalink translator 509. Data link translator 509 is a process in datacollection process 416 in FIG. 4 in these illustrative examples. Datalink translator 509 separates the simulation data into arrays ofsimulation data. A portion of these arrays of simulation data is sentinto radar model 510, and a portion of these arrays of simulation datais sent into radar warning receiver model 512. The portion of the arraysof simulation data sent into radar model 510 may include information,such as, for example, simulation object information and/or othersuitable information. The portion of the arrays of simulation data sentinto radar warning receiver model 512 may include information, such as,for example, simulation information about radar emission sourcesexternal to aircraft 501.

Radar model 510 generates simulation sensor data. This simulation sensordata is sent to simulation radar unpacker 514. The simulation sensordata may have a format similar to or substantially the same as a formatfor radar system 518 in aircraft 501. Simulation radar unpacker 514changes the format of the simulation sensor data into a format forstorage in object database 522.

In this illustrative example, radar system 518 generates live radar data519. Live radar data 519 is sent to live radar unpacker 520 in dataprocesses 508. Live radar unpacker 520 changes the format of live radardata 519 into a format for storage in object database 522. As depicted,both simulation radar unpacker 514 and live radar unpacker 520 send thedata with the changed format to radar report manager 516.

Radar report manager 516 identifies simulation object data and liveobject data for storage in object database 522 and then stores this datain object database 522. Both the simulation object data and the liveobject data may have substantially the same format in these examples. Insome illustrative embodiments, the simulation object data may beassociated with an identifier to identify the data as simulation dataand not live data.

The data stored in object database 522 may be sent to controls anddisplay system 524. In other words, an operator may control and view thesimulation object data and live object data stored using controls anddisplay system 524.

In this depicted example, radar warning receiver model 512 generatessimulation sensor data that is sent to simulation radar warning receiverunpacker 530. Simulation radar warning receiver unpacker 530 changes theformat of the simulation sensor data and sends the data with the changedformat to controls and display system 524. The format of the data ischanged such that the data may be controlled and viewed using controlsand display system 524.

Controls and display system 524 may be implemented using controls 432and/or display system 438 in FIG. 4. Further, controls and displaysystem 524 may display the simulation object data and live object datausing display formats 532. Display formats 532 may include, for example,without limitation, heads-up display formats, heads-down displayformats, and/or other suitable types of formats.

In this illustrative example, an operator may send a request to requestarbitrator 526 using controls and display system 524. This request maybe, for example, a request to change a component, data, or some otherfeature of radar model 510. Request arbitrator 526 determines whetherthe request should be sent to radar model 510. Request arbitrator 526uses a set of rules and/or a set of priorities for operations performedby radar model 510 to determine whether the request should be sent toradar model 510. As one illustrative example, if a request has a lowerpriority than an operation being performed by radar model 510, therequest is not sent to radar model 510 until the completion of theoperation. If the request may be sent to radar model 510, requestarbitrator 526 sends the request to radar packer 528. Radar packer 528changes the format of the request into a format radar model 510 mayprocess.

Data processed using data processes 508 also is sent back to groundterminal 502 from aircraft 501. For example, weapons launch data 534 maybe generated using the data presented using controls and display system524. Weapons launch data 534 is sent to data packer 540. Data packer 540also receives navigation data 537 generated by navigation system 536.

Data packer 540 changes the format of the data into a format fortransmission to computer system 503. The data is sent to data linktranslator 509 along with simulation sensor data from radar model 510.This data is then sent to data link report manager 507 and then to datalink terminal 506. The data is transmitted from data link terminal 506to computer system 503 in ground terminal 502 using a wirelesscommunications link.

With reference now to FIG. 6, an illustration of data flow in a trainingenvironment is depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.In this illustrative example, training environment 600 is an example ofone implementation of training environment 100 in FIG. 1. Further,training environment 600 may be implemented using training software 400in FIG. 4. The data flow illustrated in this example uses components andprocesses similar to the data flow illustrated in FIG. 5. However, inthis illustrative example, training environment 600 is for processingsimulation data and live data for ground-based objects that may beencountered by an aircraft.

As depicted, training environment 600 includes aircraft 601 and groundterminal 602. Ground terminal 602 has computer system 603 for sendingsimulation data 604 to aircraft 601. Simulation data 604 is sent using awireless communications link in this illustrative example. Simulationdata 604 is received by aircraft 601 using data link terminal 606. Dataat data link terminal 606 is sent to data link report manager 607running on computer system 605 in aircraft 601. Data link report manager607 identifies simulation data 604 received from data link terminal 606and sends simulation data 604 to data processes 608 for processing.

Simulation data 604 is sent from data link report manager 607 to datalink translator 609. Data link translator 609 separates simulation data604 into arrays of simulation data. A portion of these arrays ofsimulation data is sent into radar warning receiver model 610. Anotherportion of these arrays of simulation data is sent to object positionunpacker 612.

The portion of arrays of simulation data sent to object positionunpacker 612 contains position data for simulation objects. In thisillustrative example, these simulation objects are ground-based objects.

Object position unpacker 612 changes the format of the arrays ofsimulation data such that the position data for the simulation objectsmay be controlled and viewed using controls and display system 624.

In this depicted example, radar warning receiver model 610 generatessimulation sensor data from the arrays of simulation data. Thesimulation sensor data is sent to simulation radar warning receiverunpacker 614. Simulation radar warning receiver unpacker 614 changes theformat of the simulation sensor data and sends the data with the changedformat to controls and display system 624. The format of the data ischanged such that the data may be controlled and viewed using controlsand display system 624.

In this illustrative example, an operator may use the position data forthe simulation objects presented in controls and display system 624 toselect a simulation object to be monitored using radar system 616. Theoperator may send a request to request arbitrator 626 based on theselected simulation object. This request may be to change radar system616 to map mode 618. Map mode 618 allows radar system 616 to monitor aparticular area based on the position data for the selected simulationobject. In other words, map mode 618 allows radar system 616 to monitoran area for a simulation object without identifying the simulationobject or the specific position of the simulation object.

Request arbitrator 626 determines whether this request should be sent toradar system 616. This determination may be based on a set of rulesand/or a set of priorities for operations performed by radar system 616.If the request is sent to radar system 616, request arbitrator 626 sendsthe request to radar packer 628. Radar packer 628 changes the format ofthe request to a format that may be processed by radar system 616. Inthis illustrative example, radar packer 628 changes the format of therequest to a command that may be executed by radar system 616.

In response to receiving the request with the changed format from radarpacker 628, radar system 616 changes to map mode 618 and sends liveradar data 619 to live radar unpacker 620. Live radar data 619 is a mapof a particular area identified using the position data for the selectedsimulation object. Live radar unpacker 620 changes the format of liveradar data 619 into a format for storage in object database 630. Asdepicted, live radar unpacker 620 sends the data with the changed formatto radar report manager 631.

Further, request arbitrator 626 also sends data included in the requestfrom the operator to radar report manager 631. This data may includeinformation identifying the selected simulation object and/or theposition data for the simulation object. Radar report manager 631identifies simulation object data and live object data for storage inobject database 630 and then stores this data in object database 630. Inthese illustrative examples, simulation object data and the live objectdata have substantially the same format.

The data stored in object database 630 is sent to controls and displaysystem 624. In other words, an operator may control and view thesimulation object data and live object data stored using controls anddisplay system 624.

Controls and display system 624 displays the simulation object data andlive object data using display formats 632. Display formats 632 mayinclude, for example, without limitation, heads-up display formats,heads-down display formats, and/or other suitable types of formats.

Data processed using data processes 608 also is sent back to groundterminal 602 from aircraft 601. For example, weapons launch data 634 maybe generated using the data presented using controls and display system624. Weapons launch data 634 is sent to data packer 640. Data packer 640also receives navigation data 637 generated by navigation system 636.Further, data packer 640 receives live radar data 619 from radar system616. Data packer 640 changes the format of all the data received into aformat for transmission to computer system 603. The data is sent to datalink translator 609. This data is then sent to data link report manager607 and then to data link terminal 606. The data is transmitted fromdata link terminal 606 to computer system 603 in ground terminal 602using a wireless communications link.

With reference now to FIG. 7, an illustration of a training system isdepicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In thisillustrative example, training system 700 includes aircraft 702.Aircraft 702 is an example of an aircraft that may be used in trainingenvironment 100 in FIG. 1. Aircraft 702 may be used in place of or inaddition to aircraft 104 in FIG. 1. Aircraft 702 may be used to traincrew 703. Crew 703 may be one or more human operators that operateaircraft 702.

As depicted, aircraft 702 includes computer system 704. Computer system704 is comprised of number of computers 706 in this illustrativeexample. If more than one computer is present in number of computers706, those computers are in communication with each other using aircraftnetwork 708. Computer system 704 also includes display system 710.Display system 710 comprises one or more display devices in aircraft702. In this implementation, computer system 704 takes the form ofaircraft network data processing system 712.

Aircraft 702 also has network interface 714. Network interface 714 isconfigured to provide wireless communications link 716 with remotecomputer system 718. Remote computer system 718 may be at a remotelocation on the ground in these illustrative examples.

In these illustrative examples, training processor 720 may be associatedwith aircraft 702. As depicted, training processor 720 may be removablyconnected to aircraft 702. Training processor 720 may be connected toaircraft 702 using interface 722. Interface 722 may provide power andcommunications for training processor 720. For example, interface 722may be an interface to computer system 704 in aircraft 702.

In these illustrative examples, training processor 720 may be internallyor externally connected to aircraft 702. In other words, trainingprocessor 720 may be located inside of or outside of aircraft 702.

In one illustrative example, training processor 720 may be configured tobe used in pod 724 for aircraft 702. Training processor 720 may beplaced into pod 724 or may be integrated as part of pod 724.

Pod 724 is a structure configured to be connected to the exterior ofaircraft 702. In these illustrative examples, when training processor720 is placed in pod 724, interface 722 may be weapons bus 726 foraircraft 702. As depicted, weapons bus 726 is an interface normallyavailable on aircraft 702 for use with pods such as weapon pods. Weaponsbus 726 may provide a connection between weapons and sensors in pod 724connected to aircraft 702. Of course, interface 722 may take otherforms.

As depicted, training processor 720 takes the form of hardware andsoftware. Training processor 720 includes training software 728 andnumber of simulation programs 730. Training software 728 may be the sametraining software as training software 120 running on computer system118 in aircraft 104 in FIG. 1. Number of simulation programs 730 may beimplemented using the same simulation programs as number of simulationprograms 130 in computer system 140 in FIG. 1. As can be seen, trainingprocessor 720 combines functions provided by computer system 118 andcomputer system 140 in this particular implementation.

In this depicted example, training processor 720 generates constructivedata 732. Constructive data 732 is for a number of simulation objectsthat are simulated for a particular training session. Constructive data732 may be generated in place of or in addition to constructive data 134generated by computer system 140 in FIG. 1.

Further, training processor 720 also may receive virtual data 136 fromnumber of training devices 132 in FIG. 1. Virtual data 136 may bereceived over wireless communications link 716 for aircraft 702. In someillustrative examples, pod 724 also may have network interface 733.Network interface 733 may be used to establish wireless communicationslink 735 between pod 724 and a ground system, such as remote computersystem 718. With wireless communications link 735, training processor720 may receive virtual data 734 without using network interface 714 andwireless communications link 716.

Virtual data 136 may be received directly from number of trainingdevices 132 or from computer system 140, depending on the particularimplementation. In these illustrative examples, virtual data 136 formsvirtual data 734 used by training processor 720. Further, in someillustrative examples, training processor 720 also may receive livesensor data 736 generated by sensor system 738 associated with aircraft702.

In these illustrative examples, training processor 720 may operate intethered mode 740 or untethered mode 742. When operating in tetheredmode 740, training processor 720 may receive virtual data 136. Further,training processor 720 also may receive constructive data 134 fromnumber of simulation programs 130 in addition to generating constructivedata 732.

Training processor 720, however, may still provide training for crew 703even when wireless communications link 716 is absent or not usable bytraining processor 720. In some cases, aircraft 702 may not be able toestablish wireless communications link 716. In still other illustrativeexamples, the amount of bandwidth available in wireless communicationslink 716 may preclude use of wireless communications link 716 bytraining processor 720.

Further, in untethered mode 742, training processor 720 may still usewireless communications link 735 to communicate with other aircraftusing pods and training processors similar to pod 724 and trainingprocessor 720. In this situation, communications with a ground systemmay be absent or unavailable. Aircraft in a training session, however,may still communicate with each other to form a virtual battle spacethrough communications links between training processors in theaircraft. In other words, remote computer system 718 may be a trainingprocessor in another aircraft.

In operation, training processor 720 uses constructive data 732 togenerate simulation sensor data 744. Training processor 720 presentssimulation sensor data 744 with live sensor data 736 generated by sensorsystem 738 on display system 710 in aircraft 702. In these illustrativeexamples, training processor 720 may send simulation sensor data 744 tocomputer system 704 for display on display system 710. Computer system704 may receive live sensor data 736 and display live sensor data 736with simulation sensor data 744.

In other illustrative examples, training processor 720 may also receivelive sensor data 736 for use in processing simulation sensor data 744,generating constructive data 732, or for some other purpose with respectto a training session.

Additionally, training processor 720 also may generate audio data 746,video data 747, or some combination thereof. Audio data 746 may be, forexample, sounds to simulate operation of systems in aircraft 702. Thesounds may be, for example, sensor sounds, weapon sounds, and othersuitable sounds.

Video data 747 may be displays generated for presentation in displaysystem 710 in aircraft 702. Video data 747 may be for a number ofsimulated objects. These displays may include three-dimensional graphicsof simulated objects, such as targets, terrain, and other suitableobjects.

Further, training processor 720 also may provide audio communications748 with training devices over wireless communications link 735. Thesetraining devices may be, for example, number of training devices 132 inFIG. 1. Audio communications 748 may be implemented using differenttechnologies such as voice over internet protocol (VoIP).

In these illustrative examples, computer system 704 is configured toreceive simulation sensor data 744, audio data 746, video data 747,audio communications 748, and/or other data generated by trainingprocessor 720. In other words, computer system 704 is configured toreceive data from training processor 720 and display or otherwisepresent that data in computer system 704 to crew 703. In particular, oneor more operational flight programs in aircraft 702 may be configured tocommunicate with training processor 720.

Turning now to FIG. 8, an illustration of a training processor isdepicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In thisillustrative example, training processor 720 comprises housing 800,number of processor units 802, storage system 803, power supply 804,data interface 806, and power interface 808.

Housing 800 is a physical structure configured to hold the differentcomponents for training processor 720. As depicted, housing 800 isconfigured to be moveable. Housing 800 may have a shape and sizeconfigured for placement into pod 724 in FIG. 7.

Each processor unit in number of processor units 802 may include one ormore processors. These processors are configured to run program code 810stored in storage system 803. Program code 810 is program code fortraining software 728 and number of simulation programs 730 in FIG. 7.

Storage system 803 comprises one or more storage devices. Storage system803 may include, for example, at least one of a hard disk drive, arandom access memory, a read only memory, a solid state drive, and othersuitable types of storage devices.

Power supply 804 may receive and condition power received throughinterface 722. For example, power supply 804 may provide filtering,voltage conversion, and other suitable types of power processing. Datainterface 806 provides communication with aircraft network 708 throughinterface 722 in these illustrative examples.

In these illustrative examples, number of levels of security 812 may beprovided for training processor 720. Number of levels of security 812may be provided through segregating processes in training software 728and number of simulation programs 730. For example, processes may besegregated to run only on processor units in number of processor units802 having a desired security level. Security levels may include, forexample, unclassified, controlled unclassified, confidential, secret,top secret, and other suitable types of security classifications. Ofcourse, any type of classification may be used. In some cases, thesecurity levels may merely be confidential and non-confidential.

With this implementation, number of processor units 802 may be locatedon different boards in training processor 720. Further, storage devicesin storage system 803 also may be distributed on these boards and may beaccessible by only the processor unit on the same board as the storagedevice. In this manner, physical partitions may be present to providedesired security when number of levels of security 812 is present. Thistype of segregation may reduce maintenance and operational issues whendifferent types of information and/or processes may be present that havedifferent security levels.

Further, training processor 720 may be configured to self-heal or havefail-over capabilities in the event that some components fail withintraining processor 720. In these illustrative examples, if a processorunit running a process in number of processor units 802 is failing tooperate as desired, a portion of the other processor units in number ofprocessor units 802 runs the processes for the processor unit that isfailing to operate as desired.

For example, if a processor unit within number of processor units 802fails, one or more of the remaining processor units take over runningprocesses that were originally running on the failing processor unit. Inthese illustrative examples, number of processor units 802 may includeextra or redundant processor units that are present in case one or moreprocessor units in number of processor units 802 fails to operate asdesired.

The illustration of training system 700 in FIG. 7 is not meant to implyphysical or architectural limitations to the manner in which trainingsystem 700 may be implemented. Other components in addition to, or inplace of, the ones illustrated may be used. Some components may beunnecessary. Also, the blocks are presented to illustrate somefunctional components. One or more of these blocks may be combined,divided, or combined and divided into different blocks when implementedin an illustrative embodiment.

For example, although training processor 720 has been described as beingplaced in pod 724 connected to aircraft 702, training processor 720 maybe configured for placement inside the cockpit of the aircraft, inside afairing for an aircraft, mounted on a surface of the aircraft, or someother suitable location.

Thus, training processor 720 provides an ability to interject simulationdata into computer system 704 to present simulated objects for trainingcrew 703. The presentation of simulated objects may occur in conjunctionwith live objects that may be around aircraft 702.

In particular, training processor 720 allows for combining ofconstructive data 732 and/or virtual data 734 with live sensor data 736.As discussed above, constructive data 732, virtual data 734, or both maybe used to generate simulation sensor data 744 that may be displayedwith live sensor data 736 on display system 710.

In this manner, one or more illustrative embodiments provide an abilityto train crew 703 in aircraft 702 using a system that is not integratedinto computer system 704 of aircraft 702. As depicted, trainingprocessor 720 is configured to be moveable and may be moved from oneaircraft to another aircraft. This portability of training processor 720may reduce costs and reduce the time needed to configure an aircraft foruse in training.

Additionally, with training processor 720 being a separate componentfrom computer system 704, upgrades, modifications, and other changes toprogram code 810 in training processor 720 may be performed more often.In other words, changes to program code 810 or other components intraining processor 720 may be made without waiting for upgrades orchanges to operational flight programs in computer system 704 foraircraft 702. In other words, changes to training processor 720 mayoccur without having to wait for or take into account cycles for changesto operational flight programs or other software in aircraft 702.

With reference now to FIG. 9, an illustration of an aircraft is depictedin accordance with an illustrative embodiment. Aircraft 900 is anexample of a physical implementation of aircraft 702 in FIG. 7.

In this illustrative example, aircraft 900 has wing 902 and wing 904attached to body 906 of aircraft 900. Engine 908 and engine 910 areconnected to body 906. Additionally, aircraft 900 has tail section 911.In these depicted examples, aircraft 900 has pods 912. In these depictedexample, an illustrative embodiment may be implemented using pod 914.Pod 914 may include a training processor such as training processor 720in FIG. 7.

Turning now to FIG. 10, an illustration of a training processor isdepicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In thisillustrative example, training processor 1000 is an example of animplementation of training processor 720 in FIG. 7.

In this illustrative example, training processor 1000 has a shapeconfigured for placement into pod 914. In this example, housing 1001 oftraining processor 1000 has length 1002 and width 1004. Length 1002 maybe, for example, about 8.5 inches. Width 1004 may be about 4.5 inches inthis illustrative example. Of course, housing 1001 of training processor1000 may have any shape that can be placed into a pod such as pod 914.

Housing 1001 has connectors 1006. These connectors are configured to beconnected to a pod interface such as a weapons bus.

Turning now to FIG. 11, an illustration of a training processor in a podis depicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. In thisillustrative example, training processor 1000 is shown in pod 914. Acover for pod 914 has been removed to allow for placement of trainingprocessor 1000 into pod 914. As can be seen, training processor 1000 hasa shape configured for placement into interior 1100 of pod 914. Further,pod 914 also may include other components used for training exercises inaddition to training processor 1000.

Examples of other components that may be present in pod 914 include, forexample, a network interface, a computer, a power supply, a globalpositioning system receiver, a recording system to record missions forpost mission analysis, and other suitable devices.

The illustration of aircraft 900 and training processor 1000 are notmeant to imply physical or architectural limitations to the manner inwhich an illustrative may be implemented. Other types of aircraft andother shapes for training processors may be used in other illustrativeembodiments. For example, although training processor 1000 is shown as acomponent in a housing that is placed into pod 914, training processor1000 may be implemented differently in other illustrative embodiments.For example, training processor 1000 may be built into pod 914 ratherthan as a removable component for pod 914. In this example, pod 914 may,in essence, be training processor 1000.

With reference now to FIG. 12, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for performing a training session is depicted in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 12 may beused to perform training session 106 in training environment 100 in FIG.1.

The process begins by preparing a mission for the training session(operation 1200). In this operation, a mission may be defined to have anumber of different scenarios for the training session. These scenariosmay include, for example, without limitation, an air-to-air engagementscenario, an air-to-ground strike scenario, a joint-operation scenarioincluding other aircraft, and other suitable scenarios. With one or moreof the different illustrative embodiments, multiple scenarios may beperformed in a training session that may require more time, airspace,and equipment availability than possible to perform in a single trainingsession or flight.

In this operation, the definition of a training area, the aircraftarmament, sensor parameters, behavior, routes, and other information maybe set. The process then prepares each of the scenarios identified forthe mission (operation 1202). This operation includes defining thevarious parameters and equipment to be used in each scenario in themission as planned in operation 1200. The operation may includeidentifying both live objects, as well as simulation objects.

The process performs the mission (operation 1204). In performing themission, the data for the different scenarios is loaded onto thecomputer system for the training environment. Operation 1204 may beimplemented using training software, such as training software 400 inFIG. 4. The number of live aircraft in the mission may then take off toperform the mission with simulation data being sent to the number oflive aircraft. Further, during the flying of the mission, differentscenarios may be repeated and rerun until desired results are obtainedor until fuel becomes low.

Thereafter, mission debriefing is performed (operation 1206). In thisoperation, information from the mission is presented for review andanalysis. For example, the database from the aircraft in the mission, aswell as simulation data generated by the computer system, may be viewed.For example, flight paths and events that occurred during the missionmay be viewed. Thereafter, a performance assessment is performed(operation 1208), with the process terminating thereafter. An assessmentof the performance of the crew in the aircraft may be performed based onthe results from the mission.

With reference now to FIG. 13, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for training in an aircraft is depicted in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The process in FIG. 13 may be implemented in atraining environment, such as training environment 300 in FIG. 3. Inparticular, this process may be implemented in a computer system, suchas computer system 118 in aircraft 104 in FIG. 1.

The process begins by receiving simulation data during a trainingsession (operation 1300). In this illustrative example, the simulationdata is received by the training software running on the aircraft. Thecommunications system uses a wireless communications link to receive thesimulation data. The process then generates simulation sensor data fromthe simulation data (operation 1302). In these illustrative examples,this process is performed in the aircraft. In other illustrativeembodiments, a portion of the training software may operate in anotherlocation with the simulation sensor data being transmitted to theaircraft.

The process receives live sensor data from a sensor system in theaircraft (operation 1304). The process then presents the simulationsensor data with the live sensor data on a display system in theaircraft (operation 1306), with the process terminating thereafter.

With reference now to FIG. 14, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for generating simulation sensor data received in an aircraft isdepicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The processillustrated in FIG. 14 may be implemented in software, such as trainingsoftware 400 in FIG. 4. The simulation sensor data generated by theoperations in this flowchart may be an example of simulation sensor data447, which may be used to generate simulation object data 448 in FIG. 4.

The process begins by receiving simulation sensor data (operation 1400).The process identifies a number of objects in the simulation sensor data(operation 1402). The process then selects an unprocessed object fromthe number of objects identified for processing (operation 1404).

Thereafter, the process generates simulation sensor data about theselected object identified in the simulation data (operation 1406). Thisinformation may include, for example, without limitation, anidentification of the object, a graphical indicator to use for theobject, and other suitable information. These objects may be, forexample, without limitation, aircraft, vehicles, missile sites, ships,missiles in flight, and other suitable objects.

Operation 1402 may be performed using a model for the sensor system. Themodel of the sensor system may include models of different sensors inthe sensor system. Operation 1406 generates simulation sensor data inthe same fashion that an actual sensor system would generate sensor datain an aircraft.

The sensor data is the same format as sensor data generated by physicalsensor systems in the aircraft. A determination is then made as towhether the simulation data includes information about anotherunprocessed object (operation 1408). If the simulation data includesinformation about another unprocessed object, the unprocessed object isselected, and the process returns to operation 1402. Otherwise, theprocess terminates. The simulation sensor data may then be processed bythe computer system in the aircraft in the same manner as with livesensor data generated by sensors for the aircraft.

With reference now to FIG. 15, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for generating information about objects detected by sensors isdepicted in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. The processillustrated in FIG. 15 may be implemented in software, such as trainingsoftware 400 in FIG. 4. This process may be used to generate informationabout both live objects and simulation objects in these illustrativeexamples. The same process may be used, because the simulation sensordata is in the same format and contains the same type of information asthe live sensor data generated by physical sensors in the aircraft. Theoperations illustrated in FIG. 15 may be used to generate data, such aslive object data 446 and simulation object data 448 in FIG. 4.

The process begins by receiving sensor data from a sensor (operation1500). In operation 1500, the sensor data may be either live sensor dataor simulation sensor data in these examples. The process then identifiesobjects in the sensor data (operation 1502). An object identified in thesensor data is selected for processing (operation 1504). Informationabout the object is generated based on the sensor data (operation 1506).This information may include, for example, an identification of theobject, a graphical indicator to use for the object, and other suitableinformation. Thereafter, the information is placed into a database ofobjects (operation 1508). Next, a determination is made as to whetheradditional unprocessed objects are present in the sensor data (operation1510). If additional objects are present, the process returns tooperation 1504. Otherwise, the process terminates.

With respect to simulation sensor data that may be received, theinformation about the object also may include an indication that theobject is a simulation object rather than a live object. In someillustrative embodiments, parallel processes may run to process livesensor data and simulation sensor data. One process may process all livesensor data, while the other process processes only simulation sensordata. As a result, all of the objects identified by the processprocessing simulation sensor data are associated with objects that aresimulation objects rather than live objects. The information for eachtype of object may be stored in separate locations such that anidentification of a live object versus a simulation object may be made.

With reference now to FIG. 16, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for presenting object information is depicted in accordance withan illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 16 may beused to process live object data and simulation object data generated bythe process in FIG. 13.

The process begins by identifying objects that have been detected by anaircraft (operation 1600). These objects include ones detected by thesensors in the aircraft and those sent in simulation information to theaircraft. The identification may be made using an object database, suchas object database 450 in FIG. 4.

Thereafter, the process selects an unprocessed object from the detectedobjects for processing (operation 1602). The process retrievesinformation about the object from the object database (operation 1604).This information may include, for example, without limitation, anidentification of the object, a location of the object, and othersuitable information. The process then presents the object on thedisplay system (operation 1606). For example, a particular type ofgraphical indicator may be used, depending on the identification of theobject type. For example, one type of graphical indicator may be usedfor friendly aircraft, while another type of graphical indicator may beused for enemy aircraft.

The display of graphical indicators may be presented on display system438 using number of video display devices 439 in FIG. 4. Additionally,in some cases, the operator or operators in the aircraft may receiveaudio cues through devices, such as number of audio devices 440 indisplay system 438. In the different illustrative embodiments, theseaudio cues also may be generated based on the reception of simulationdata 410.

Next, the process determines whether additional unprocessed objects arepresent (operation 1608). If additional unprocessed objects are present,the process returns to operation 1602. Otherwise, the processterminates.

In selecting an object for processing in the process in FIG. 16, allobjects in the object database are identified and processed. The objectsinclude those for objects actually detected by the aircraft and thosesent in the simulation information. In this manner, the presentation ofobjects, both live and simulated, are presented on the display in thesame manner in which live objects are normally presented on the display.Of course, the presentation of the display may include a differentindicator for simulation objects as compared to live objects, dependingon the particular implementation.

With reference now to FIG. 17, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for sending data during a training session is depicted inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 17 may be implemented in a computer system, such as computer system118 in aircraft 104 in FIG. 1.

The process begins by obtaining ownship information about the aircraft(operation 1700). This information may be obtained from a system, suchas a global positioning system unit and/or an inertial navigation unit.This ownship information may include, for example, a longitude, alatitude, an elevation, an attitude, an altitude, a velocity, and othersuitable information.

The ownship information also may include information about whether acontrol for launching a weapon has been activated. The process thensends the collected information to a remote location from the aircraftfor processing (operation 1702), with the process terminatingthereafter.

With reference now to FIG. 18, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for training in an aircraft is depicted in accordance with anillustrative embodiment. The process illustrated in FIG. 18 may beimplemented using training system 700 in FIG. 7. This process may beused to train crew 703 in aircraft 702.

The process begins by the training processor generating constructivedata (operation 1800). The training processor then generates simulationsensor data using the constructive data (operation 1802).

The training processor then presents the simulation sensor data with thelive sensor data generated by a sensor system for the aircraft on adisplay system in the aircraft (operation 1804) with the processterminating thereafter. In operation 1804, the training processor maysend simulation sensor data without the live sensor data. The aircraftcomputer system may combine the simulation sensor data with the livesensor data for presentation.

With reference now to FIG. 19, an illustration of a flowchart of aprocess for training in an aircraft with a training processor inaccordance with an illustrative embodiment. The process illustrated inFIG. 19 may be implemented in training processor 720 located in pod 724for training the crew of an aircraft.

The process begins by a training processor receiving simulation datafrom a ground station over a wireless communications link to a pod inwhich the training processor is located (operation 1900). This data maybe received using network interface 733 and pod 724 in the illustrativeexamples. The simulation data may include at least one of constructivedata and virtual data.

The training processor then generates simulation sensor data using theconstructive data (operation 1902). The training processor then presentsthe simulation sensor data with the live sensor data generated by asensor system for the aircraft on a display system in the aircraft(operation 1904), with the process terminating thereafter. The crew maytrain using the data presented on the display system of the aircraft.

The flowcharts and block diagrams in the different depicted embodimentsillustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of somepossible implementations of apparatus and methods in differentillustrative embodiments. In this regard, each block in the flowchartsor block diagrams may represent a module, segment, function, and/or aportion of an operation or step.

In some alternative implementations, the function or functions noted inthe block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example,in some cases, two blocks shown in succession may be executedsubstantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed inthe reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Also,other blocks may be added in addition to the illustrated blocks in aflowchart or block diagram.

Thus, the different illustrative embodiments provide a method andapparatus for training with aircraft. In one illustrative embodiment, anapparatus comprises an aircraft. The apparatus also comprises acommunications system, a display system, a sensor system, and a computersystem, all of which are associated with the aircraft. Thecommunications system is configured to exchange data with a number ofremote locations using a wireless communications link. The computersystem is configured to run a number of processes to receive simulationdata received through the communications system over the wirelesscommunications link, receive live data from the sensor system associatedwith the aircraft, and present the simulation data and the live data onthe display system.

With one or more of the different illustrative embodiments, trainingusing live aircraft may be reduced in expense and time. For example,with one or more of the different illustrative embodiments, multiplescenarios may be performed during a training session. For example, afirst scenario may involve locating a ground target, and a secondscenario may involve an air-to-air combat mission. These two scenariosmay be performed during one training session more easily than with alllive objects. For example, the scheduling and availability of aircraftand ground systems is less of a problem, because simulation objects maybe used for one or more of the objects. Additionally, the amount of fueland maintenance needed may be reduced because of the use of simulationobjects in place of live objects.

The different illustrative embodiments can take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment, or an embodimentcontaining both hardware and software elements. Some embodiments areimplemented in software, which includes, but is not limited to, forms,such as, for example, firmware, resident software, and microcode.

Furthermore, the different embodiments can take the form of a computerprogram product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readablemedium providing program code for use by or in connection with acomputer or any device or system that executes instructions. For thepurposes of this disclosure, a computer-usable or computer-readablemedium can generally be any tangible apparatus that can contain, store,communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or inconnection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

The computer-usable or computer-readable medium can be, for example,without limitation, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic,infrared, or semiconductor system, or a propagation medium. Non-limitingexamples of a computer-readable medium include a semiconductor or solidstate memory, magnetic tape, a removable computer diskette, a randomaccess memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), a rigid magnetic disk,and an optical disk. Optical disks may include compact disk-read onlymemory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read/write (CD-R/W), and DVD.

Further, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may contain orstore a computer-readable or usable program code such that when thecomputer-readable or usable program code is executed on a computer, theexecution of this computer-readable or usable program code causes thecomputer to transmit another computer-readable or usable program codeover a communications link. This communications link may use a mediumthat is, for example, without limitation, physical or wireless.

A data processing system suitable for storing and/or executingcomputer-readable or computer-usable program code will include one ormore processors coupled directly or indirectly to memory elementsthrough a communications fabric, such as a system bus. The memoryelements may include local memory employed during actual execution ofthe program code, bulk storage, and cache memories, which providetemporary storage of at least some computer-readable or computer-usableprogram code to reduce the number of times code may be retrieved frombulk storage during execution of the code.

Input/output or I/O devices can be coupled to the system either directlyor through intervening I/O controllers. These devices may include, forexample, without limitation, keyboards, touch screen displays, andpointing devices. Different communications adapters may also be coupledto the system to enable the data processing system to become coupled toother data processing systems or remote printers or storage devicesthrough intervening private or public networks. Non-limiting examplesare modems and network adapters and are just a few of the currentlyavailable types of communications adapters.

The description of the different illustrative embodiments has beenpresented for purposes of illustration and description, and it is notintended to be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments in the formdisclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to thoseof ordinary skill in the art. Further, different illustrativeembodiments may provide different features as compared to otherillustrative embodiments. The embodiment or embodiments selected arechosen and described in order to best explain the principles of theembodiments, the practical application, and to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodimentswith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated.

1. An apparatus comprising: an aircraft; a display system associatedwith the aircraft; a sensor system associated with the aircraft; and atraining processor configured to be connected to the aircraft, whereinthe training processor is configured to generate constructive data for anumber of simulation objects; generate simulation sensor data using theconstructive data; and present the simulation sensor data with livesensor data generated by the sensor system on the display system.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a network interface associatedwith the aircraft, wherein the network interface is configured toexchange data using a wireless communications link, wherein the trainingprocessor receives virtual data using the wireless communications link.3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the training processor generatesthe simulation sensor data using the constructive data and the virtualdata.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the training processor isconfigured to receive the live sensor data from the sensor systemassociated with the aircraft.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein thetraining processor comprises: a housing; a number of processor units;and program code configured to run on the number of processor units togenerate the constructive data for the number of simulation objects;generate the simulation sensor data using the constructive data; andpresent the simulation sensor data with the live sensor data generatedby the sensor system on the display system.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the number of processor units are configured to provide a numberof levels of security.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the trainingprocessor is configured to operate in an untethered mode in which theconstructive data is generated internally.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the training processor is configured to generate sounds thatsimulate at least one of sensor sounds and weapon sounds.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the training processor is configured togenerate video data for a number of simulated objects.
 10. The apparatusof claim 1, wherein the training processor is configured to provideaudio communications with a number of training devices over a wirelesscommunications link.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the trainingprocessor is configured to be connected to a weapons bus in theaircraft.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the training processoris positioned in an interior of the aircraft.
 13. The apparatus of claim5, wherein responsive to a processor unit running a process in thenumber of processor units failing to operate as desired, a portion ofother processor units in the number of processor units running theprocesses for the processor unit failing to operate as desired.
 14. Atraining system comprising: a training processor configured to beconnected to an aircraft, generate constructive data for a number ofsimulation objects; generate simulation sensor data using theconstructive data; and present the simulation sensor data with livesensor data generated by a sensor system for the aircraft on a displaysystem in the aircraft.
 15. The training system of claim 14, wherein thetraining processor is located in an interior of the aircraft and thetraining processor is connected to an aircraft network that links with acomputer system of the aircraft, the computer system including a displaysystem having one or more display devices.
 16. The training system ofclaim 15, wherein the training processor configured to be connected to abus for the aircraft.
 17. A method for training in an aircraft, themethod comprising: generating, by a training processor, constructivedata; generating, by the training processor, simulation sensor datausing the constructive data; and presenting the simulation sensor datawith live sensor data generated by a sensor system for the aircraft on adisplay system in the aircraft.
 18. The method of claim 19 furthercomprising: receiving, by the training processor, virtual data over awireless communications link to a network interface in the aircraft. 19.The method of claim 18, wherein generating, by the training processor,the simulation sensor data using the constructive data comprises:generating, by the training processor, the simulation sensor data usingthe constructive data and the virtual data.
 20. The method of claim 17further comprising: generating, by the training processor, sounds thatsimulate at least one of sensor sounds and weapon sounds.
 21. The methodof claim 17 further comprising: generating, the training processor,video data for a number of simulated objects for display on the displaysystem in the aircraft.
 22. The method of claim 17 further comprising:providing, by the training processor, audio communications with a numberof training devices over a wireless communications link.
 23. The methodof claim 17, wherein the training processor is located in an interior ofthe aircraft, and further comprising providing the constructive data andthe simulation sensor data to an aircraft network of the aircraft, theaircraft network linked to a computer system of the aircraft, thecomputer system including the display system, and the display systemhaving one or more display devices.